She said: "The victim, a girl aged nine from Southend, was found by a member of the public who called the police. She is being cared for by specially trained police officers. She has suffered a sexual assault and we are doing everything we can to look after her following this traumatic ordeal.”

Partridge was said to have links to both Hackney and Folkestone. He previously used the surnames Keys, Keyes, Budden and Young, police said.

In an update this afternoon, Essex Police tweeted that Partridge had been arrested in Harlow.

The force said: "Steven Partridge has been arrested in #Harlow + taken to #Southend for questioning. Thanks to all who helped with our appeal."